Preservatives and Fragrances for Lipstick

Regarding suitable preservatives and fragrances for your lipstick formula:

Preservatives

You asked about using Phenoxyethanol and Phenoxyethanol SA in an oil-based lipstick formula.

• Phenoxyethanol (Extra Pure): This preservative is primarily soluble in water. In an oil-based formula without a water phase or a suitable emulsifier to incorporate it, it may not disperse or function effectively. Its description indicates it should be mixed in the water phase.

• Phenoxyethanol SA (eq. Optiphen Plus): This is a broad-spectrum preservative blend containing Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, and Sorbic Acid. Unlike pure Phenoxyethanol, it has some solubility in oil (up to 0.6% in mineral oil according to the description). This makes it potentially more suitable for an oil-based system, provided the concentration used is within its solubility limit in your specific oil blend. It is effective in a pH range of 2.0-6.0. The presence of Sorbic Acid contributes to its efficacy but requires the formula's pH to be within this acidic range.

To determine the best preservative for your specific lipstick formula, especially considering its oil-based nature and the pH requirement for Phenoxyethanol SA, knowing the full composition and pH of your formula is essential, as requested by the staff.

Regardless of the preservative chosen, a challenge test is always recommended to ensure its effectiveness in your final product.

Fragrances

You mentioned using Flavor Oil. Flavor or fragrance oils are generally oil-soluble, making them suitable for incorporation into oil-based lipstick formulas. An example is Strawberry (Fragrance Oil).

To provide the most accurate recommendation, please provide the full list of ingredients and the pH of your lipstick formula.